TEACHER OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED & ORIENTATION MOBILITY SERVICES

Itinerant
Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Certified Orientation and Mobility
Specialists (COMS) provide a wide range of services to students and school
districts in compliance with local, state, and federal legislation. The
teachers participate with district evaluation teams in qualifying students
under state guidelines, assist in developing program plans, provide direct and
consultative services, and facilitate appropriate materials for individual
students.

What does a Teacher of the Visually Impaired do?

Help school teams to better understand how vision impacts student learning and assist in developing effective program plans including ETRs and IEPs

Teach students braille and Nemeth code

Teach students to use low vision aids

Coordinate/order braille or enlarged materials for the district, in most cost-effective manner

Conduct workshops/in-services for staff on effective strategies for students with visual impairments

Refer to appropriate agencies for assistive technology evaluation

Teach children with varying abilities who are blind or have low vision- deafblind, multiple disabilities, students fully included, vocational students, Pre-K through graduation

Teach students daily living skills under the umbrella of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)

Teach students about their visual impairments and how to advocate for their needs and accommodations

Collaborate with classroom teachers and other professionals to be sure students with visual impairments have access to all aspects of the curriculum

Communicate and work closely with parents of children with visual impairments so that they can become key players on their child’s educational team

Train district staff to use district owned technology

What does a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist do?

Conduct Orientation and Mobility Assessments
to determine qualifications and needs

Teach students how to move safely within their school and community using spatial and environmental concepts and information received by the senses (such as sound, temperature and vibrations) to establish, maintain, or regain orientation and line of travel (e.g., using sound at a traffic light to cross the street)

Teach students to use the long cane or a service animal to safely negotiate the environment

Teach students to use remaining vision and distance low vision aids in order to travel independently

Teach students to use GPS assistive technology to assist in independent travel

Teach students to use public transportation and alternative transportation

Provide sensitivity training to the public regarding visual impairment

Orient a student who is blind to locate classes, cafeteria, and the library on campus